Winsford Swimming Club members training like Trojans

Head coach Dan Goodwin says it is important to stay positive and look forward to an exciting future during these difficult times.

"The coronavirus pandemic has turned upside down all areas of life, and sport is no exception," he said.

"Social distancing measures, brought in to limit the spread of the virus has had a significant impact on us all.

"In terms of the sport of swimming there has been no pool training or competition for two months. Swimming has literally been completely put on hold for the foreseeable future."

Swimmers at the club have been encouraged to take up other forms of exercise and they have responded in style.

"Winsford Swim Team, over the last couple of months, has put plans in place so when we do return to the pool the club is in a strong position and our swimmers are in a good shape, so we can kick on into the future with tremendous excitement," said Goodwin.

"During the coronavirus lockdown our coaches, swimmers and parents have been working together to ensure we all stay positive, active and make the absolute best of the situation we all find ourselves in.

"Some clubs and coaches are seeing the Covid-19 virus lockdown as a challenge. We, at Winsford, do not see it this way.

"We see it as an opportunity, an opportunity for all our members to improve in other areas of their training.

"The first measure we have put in place for our swimmers is a dry-land fitness programme consisting of strength, agility and flexibility exercises on a daily basis.

"These land based sessions will give our swimmers a huge advantage for when we return to the pool.

"Not only are we putting in some outstanding work on our strength but we are also working heavily on our aerobic levels.

"We have set up a running challenge, where our swimmers compete against each other separately to see who can make the biggest improvements.

"Not only are our swimmers hitting the footpaths but they are also taking to the roads, putting big miles into their road cycling. Add this to the indoor rowing, circuits and cross training we are performing on a daily basis.

"I can only see magical things happening when we return to the wet stuff. Our fitness programme is a leading example to all clubs on what can be achieved with everyone pulling together with motivation and ideas.

"The positivity, attitude and togetherness at our club is second to none.

"All our members are keeping in touch with each other during the virus shutdown and all are so keen to get back in the water and push Winsford onto new heights."

Winsford Swim Team have achieved much success.

"We, as a club, compete in the North West Arena Premier League, swimming in the top league for eight years now, regularly making the A final which places us in the top eight clubs in the north west of England," added Goodwin.

"Winsford Swim Team are one of only three clubs in Cheshire, along with Stockport Metro and Warrington Warriors, who are competing at the very highest level.

"Not only this but as a team we continuously put swimmers into county, regional and national championships, achieving multiple finals and medals.

"Our coaches are very experienced and have tremendous expertise and technical knowledge. This combined with outstanding swimmer discipline, motivation and drive is helping us to continuously move the bar upwards.

"We will continue to improve and adapt to the current virus environment we find ourselves in and return to the pool at Winsford with huge motivation for the years ahead.

"The future is very exciting for our club, coaches and swimmers.

"We are a club which is very competitive but we are also a very family friendly club where every swimmer matters.

"I along with all the coaching team can't wait to return and help all our swimmers to reach their goals. Together we will achieve even more."